Barbara and David Rugendyke OAM

Providing a safe place and caring home for more than 400 children over a thirty-year period, Barbara and Dave Rugendyke were recognised for their contributions to the Australian community with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2023 Australia Day Honours List.
"To be nominated in the first place, that somebody thinks enough of you to nominate you for this award ... I think that's really special,” says Mrs Rugendyke.
“So we'd like to accept it on behalf of all foster carers because we think they all do a magnificent job.”